News Brief Israelis over 60 flock to clinics as campaign for third COVID shot opens up

Israelis over age 60 flocked to healthcare clinics on Sunday to get their third COVID-19 shots as the campaign for a booster opened for the first time – anywhere in the world.

According to the heads of the HMOs, more than 30,000 Israelis got the third shot on Sunday. But that wasn't enough, said Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who urged them to go even faster.

“The situation is good, but we have to pick up the pace,” Bennett said. “Our daily rate needs to be five times what it is now. Our goal is to vaccinate everyone by the end of the month. It’s ambitious, but it’s possible.”

Bennett and Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced that the army will assist in the campaign.

President Isaac Herzog and opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu were among the first to receive their booster.